Traveling from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Colombo: what you need to know
Colombo is three hours 30 minutes ahead of Helsinki, where Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located. Colombo runs on the UTC+5:30 timezone.
Leave enough time to get on your HEL to Colombo flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at security and check-in are more likely if you're flying during high season, so allow a little extra breathing room. A good rule for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially score a cheaper plane ticket from HEL to Colombo. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connection hubs:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
HEL is around 10 miles from central Helsinki. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the center, it'll take 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 45 minutes.
Want an easy start to your travels? Stay near HEL. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are a convenient choice:
When it comes to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport's on-time performance, data shows 60.23% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
How to find the cheapest flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) to Colombo
The best price we've seen for a one-way Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo flight is $185. The cheapest price for a return flight is $419. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To find cheap flights from HEL to Colombo, book as early as possible. Airlines usually offer lower prices when flights first go on sale.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, take advantage of the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when looking for your Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo ticket.
Finding a cheap flight from HEL to Colombo is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch when a new discount appears.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo.
Airports in Colombo
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML)
The distance from Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) to central Colombo is roughly 10 miles. It takes around 40 minutes to get to the center driving.
When traveling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo. Check in to one of these accommodation options near RML instead:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The center of Colombo is around 20 miles from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). After your flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 40 minutes.
Traveling by public transport will take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
After stepping off your HEL to Colombo flight, rest your head at a hotel close to CMB. These are some great options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Bandaranaike International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion or Sixt and set off in the blink of an eye.
Snap up a deal by booking your ride from CMB two weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Colombo
Travel to Colombo during peak season if you want a lively atmosphere, but remember that prices are generally higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's not as busy.
Lock in a Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo plane ticket with a departure in March if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 75ºF to 91ºF.
Search for cheap tickets from HEL to Colombo in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 72ºF and 90ºF on average.
More about Colombo
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Colombo right here. Check out these options after you've booked your flight from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Colombo:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. Independence Square & Independence Memorial Hall, Gangaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park are major attractions which should be on every Colombo itinerary.
Explore more of Sri Lanka
You've seen Colombo, now it's time to explore other corners of Sri Lanka. Travel around 190 miles north to Jaffna to check off its must-visit sights. From Jaffna Fort to Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta Temple and Jaffna Public Library, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Trincomalee is another favorite destination in Sri Lanka and is around 150 miles north-east of Colombo. No journey is complete without seeing Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick and Marble Beach.
